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Making adjustments in corn sales for moisture

In farmer-to-farmer sales of high moisture corn, it is often difficult to establish a fair price for both the buyer and seller. Many producers have difficulty making the adjustment on pricing with higher corn moistures. With the lack of Growing Degree Days (GDDs) for some varieties in 2008, there will certainly be some high moisture corn for sale.

How can you calculate a comparison of weights for high moisture shelled corn? A formula you can use to make this comparison: [Pounds per bushel of dry corn (54 lbs) divided by dry matter of wet corn] times dry matter of dry corn (84.5 percent)].

For example: If you have 26 percent moisture corn and want to know how many pounds of wet corn it would take to equal the equivalent dry matter of a bushel of 54 pound, 15.5 percent moisture corn, you would calculate it as follows: [54 pounds divided by 74 percent dry matter (wet corn)] times 84.5 percent dry matter (dry corn) which equals 62 pounds.] It would take 62 pounds of the wet, 26 percent moisture corn, to equal 54 pounds of 15.5 percent moisture corn, dry matter equivalent.

Adjustments may also have to made for corn that is immature (quality), and for costs associated with handling and storing wet corn. For more information on determining a fair price for farmer to farmer corn sales, contact me at the Hubbard County Extension Office, 218-732-3391 or Bec-ker County Extension, 218-846-7328, by cell phone at 1-218-252-1042 and by e-mail at ylini003@umn.edu.

MN has split state status

Three years after detecting bovine tuberculosis (TB) in northwest Minnesota, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Minnesota's Split State Status, effective Oct. 10.

With the approval of Split State Status, a large part of the state will upgrade its classification to Modified Accredited Advanced (MAA), and a smaller section of northwestern Minnesota will remain at the Modified Accredited (MA) classification. This status will help the state target its resources where they are most needed, while also saving producers outside the affected area from the additional testing requirements.

"Split State Status is welcome news for the majority of Minnesota's cattle producers who have been dedicated partners in animal disease prevention," said State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Hartmann. "The state remains committed to helping the producers in northwest Minnesota. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners and the producers within the MA Zone to eliminate this disease."

Herds in the MA Zone will still be subject to the more stringent shipping and testing restrictions. To view a map or review the testing and shipping requirements, please visit the state's bovine TB website at www.mntbfree.com.

As a condition of the approval, the State must complete a round of targeted testing in the MAA zone within the next 12 months. Producers selected to participate will be contacted soon. In addition to the testing, all farms in the MA Zone will undergo a wildlife evaluation and create a plan to prevent livestock from having contact with wildlife.

Cattle and bison producers located outside the state's MA Zone will still have some TB testing requirements if moving animals to another state. A complete list of the federal requirements is available on the state's TB website or by calling the bovine TB hotline at 1-877-MN TB FREE (668-2373). Many states have also implemented their own regulations for receiving cattle. For specifics, producers should contact their vet or the receiving state's animal health agency.

"As Minnesota producers prepare for fall feeder cattle movements this approval will mean fewer restrictions and expenses." said Joe Martin, state assistant ag commissioner and TB coordinator. "It's due to this partnership and the hard work of our state's producers that this is all possible. If we continue to be vigilant and work together, we will regain Minnesota's Accredited Free status."